TCC Test: 2007 BMW X5 4.8i

It's typical that as a vehicle grows in size and becomes more "mainstream" and "family friendly," it also becomes more like the typical middle-aged clientèle that needs mainstream and family-friendly vehicles. Once-sharp reflexes and a firm suspension set up for enthusiast drivers are swapped for drop-down DVD entertainment systems for the kids and power-operated toys for the grown-ups.

The X5 has an abundance of the latter, including a "simplified" version of the infamous iDrive mouse controller (more on that below), available heads-up display and an electrically activated gear shifter similar to the system first used on the 7-Series sedan (more on that below, also).

But as I experienced firsthand during two days of flogging new X5s (both the base six-cylinder powered 3.0si and the V-8 X5 4.8i) on some of South Carolina's best moonshiner backcountry roads, the '07 X5's every bit the runner the old one was. And then some.

The Car Connection

Good to see BMW bringing HUD to the masses in a $60,000 vehicle. Sure wish I could get it in a $27,000 car...

I would guess the third row seat is tiny. The X5 does need a larger cargo hold, though.

This is the first 7-seat crossover that doesn't look motherly. BMW did a good job with the styling.

Good to see BMW bringing HUD to the masses in a $60,000 vehicle. Sure wish I could get it in a $27,000 car...

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You can get one in Acadia and I think Pontiac GP has it for the V8 version. (Or are you joking? :AH-HA_wink: )

You can get one in Acadia and I think Pontiac GP has it for the V8 version. (Or are you joking?    :AH-HA_wink: )

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Totally kidding.

Totally kidding.

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Gotcha